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Twisted 50

Twisted: Volume 1

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50 stories from 50 disturbed voices of modern horror… Twisted 50 volume 1 is a deliciously dark slice of contemporary horror literature. Reading it is like attending a late night secret banquet where you know each course will serve up something unexpected, forbidden and unforgettably chilling. Take your private seat now for 50 luscious courses of terror, from 50 of the strongest voices in modern horror.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2017

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Christina Palmer Romero

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5 stars
74 (53%)
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28 (20%)
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26 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Leo Robertson.
Author 39 books499 followers
November 10, 2016
Darkness, comedy, sexiness, social commentary, reinvigoration of classics, genre-bending, mythologising transmogrifying anthropomorphising HORRROORRRRRR!!

PS Was totes a contributor to this lol :D

Profile Image for Jules.
1,077 reviews233 followers
February 5, 2017
I was a huge horror fan from childhood to my early twenties, but rarely read horror these days. I thought this collection of short stories would be a great way to reintroduce myself to this genre. What I have discovered, is that I don’t think I’m that keen on short stories. They take me a while to get into, and just when I’m settling into the story it ends. However, this was still a very good collection of stories, many of which I enjoyed, and has introduced me to lots of new authors.

This collection provides a huge mix of themes within the horror genre, such as of bugs, creatures, sex, torture, murder, amazingly weird, thought provoking, shocking and sickeningly gruesome.

Here are my top 3 favourites:

Shenanigans, by Chris Jeal - An interesting idea about modern technology and the obsession with Apps, and what happens when things go too far. Loved the dark humour too.

Spellings, by K.J.B. Rickard – This was one of my favourites, and not just because it mentions my favourite author, Clive Barker. I loved the way it connected with me as a reader. This was the only story that made me feel a little scared. I was following the instructions, while at the same time a part of me was telling me not to.

The Beating of my Heart, by Rachael Howard – I found this unnerving and loved the last line!

Others I thoroughly enjoyed:

Beyond the Flesh, by Diana Read
The Audition Altar, by Leo X Robertson
Five Days, by Susan Mayer - I didn’t think I liked bug stories, but this one was intriguing.
The Sugarloaf and the Red Shoes, by Marie Gethins
Paper Cuts, by Kim Rickford
The Retribution of Elsie Buckle, by Lucy V. Hay
Full of Surprises, by Scott Merrow
The Spider Taketh Hold, by John Ashbrook – Another bug story that I did actually enjoy. Love a good revenge story.
Keeping A Head, by Jonah Jones – Very short, but shudder!
Meat, by Neil Bebber
Feedback, by Charles Maciejewski
What’s Yours is Mine, by Nick Yates
Fingers, by J.M. Hewitt
The Left is Sinister, by Thomas Cranham – I almost always wake up on my left side, eek!
Bloated, by Penegrin Shaw

Overall, an entertaining book, which I suspect will be very much enjoyed by horror fans, especially if you like short stories.
Profile Image for Rebecca Gransden.
Author 22 books259 followers
February 5, 2017
A strong collection of contemporary horror shorts. Some very mischievous contributions, most entertaining on the warped side. Fun and imaginative, the stories are varied and whatever your taste when it comes to horror there will be something included for you to enjoy. Brief, sharp tales delivered with a bloody wink.
Profile Image for Chris Jones.
Author 15 books15 followers
October 23, 2016
Yes I was involved in putting this book together, but what you nee to know is these 50 stories were the most Twisted tales from the 500 submitted. It's modern, it's VERY dark, occasionally a bit (lot ) sexy, thought provoking, disturbing, relevant and most of all, fresh and original. Love it. I really do. Read it.
Profile Image for Brian Stabler.
188 reviews17 followers
July 17, 2017
50 twisted short stories from 50 relatively unknown, at least to this reader, authors. With stories ranging in length from 1/2 a page to 10 pages it's well worth giving a try. A personal favourite was N.W. Twyford's Sodor & Gomorrah, one of those stories that you can't really say too much about without spoiling!
Profile Image for Rebecca Gransden.
Author 22 books259 followers
October 2, 2018
A strong collection of contemporary horror shorts. Some very mischievous contributions, most entertaining on the warped side. Fun and imaginative, the stories are varied and whatever your taste when it comes to horror there will be something included for you to enjoy. Brief, sharp tales delivered with a bloody wink.
Profile Image for Claire.
418 reviews28 followers
May 3, 2017
I rate this book at slightly above three stars. I rated each individual story and then used the dreaded math to work out the rating for this one.
I'm going to write a one/two sentence for review for each of the stories in this volume, I think that with so many different authors it's fair to say what I did and didn't enjoy.


BITE - *
This one kicked off the book, but I thought it was a bad choice. The writing was difficult to follow and stilted, and the story was a very basic one.

WITCHES - ****
This was much better. Atmospheric, moody and very well written.

SHENANIGANS - *****
The world building in this short story was amazing, I would have loved to read a longer version of this story or even a novel. The characters were strong and the violence made me cringe.

AFTERMATH - *
This was very grim and boring. I feel the author chose to use shock tactics rather than good story telling.

SUMMER SKY - **
Nicely written, but too short to get a feel for.

THE LIZARD KING - ***
A decent attempt at character building, but leaves you wondering what actually happened.

BEYOND THE FLESH - *****
This has a wonderful example of character, including backstory and motivation. The gore was shown to the reader expertly, and the twist at the end was unexpected.

THE AUDITION ALTAR - ****
A nice nod to the infamous casting couch. Full of sex and death, horror and violence, very good word play.

THE BEHOLDER - **
This is well written, but I'm still not sure what the story was about. It's very clouded; who exactly was the Beholder?

doG LIVED - ***
Very nice imagery, I feel like I saw everything first hand. The title is lost on me though, I understand the gag but not how it relates to the story.

TRUE FEAR - *****
This was very good, really sets the hairs on the back of your neck on edge. I adored the last line, perfectly written.

FIVE DAYS - *****
Great story with a very imaginative dilemma. The ending was strong, as was the sense of helplessness the whole tale evoked.

A CHANGE TOO FAR - *
Far too short for anything much to have happened. Did anything happen?

THE SUGARLOAF AND THE RED SHOES - **
Not a bad tale, but based very closely upon a fairy tale. There was good writing but nothing original.

PAPER CUTS - *****(Plus)
I enjoyed reading this one the most of all. The story is imaginative, the characters believable, and the meaning of grammar explained uniquely!

INSECTS - *
This was pretty obvious, and kind of pointless. I didn't really find anything to keep my attention.

ITCH - ****
This one would make an excellent novel, an excellent post-apocalypse world. It focuses a little too much on the psychological effects for a short story though.

THE RETRIBUTION OF ELSIE BUCKLE - ****
There is a mistake in the middle of this story, but it's still a good tale. Very nice writing, and a slow reveal.

SPELLINGS - **
A simple idea but a rather disappointing execution. I was hoping for more of a kick.

FULL OF SURPRISES - ***
This is a nice tale with a good ending. It's always good to see someone get their comeuppance.

FOOD BANK - **
Very predictable, but well written. I think the title was a stretch, though.

SILVER LOAD - ***
Very nitty gritty and full of worldbuilding. I didn't feel for any character, but it did remind me a little of Metro 2033.

TRYING ON TOBIAS - ****
This was predictable too, but there was a fresh new slant that I liked very much. It was fun to read.

SODOR & GOMORRAH - *****
Another one of my favourites, despite the title error. Extremely imaginative and what a wonderfully funny reveal.

THE SPIDER TAKETH HOLD - *****
As an arachnophobiac, I read this whole story with a grimace on my face. Truly horrifying for someone with this phobia.

FLAT HUNTING - ***
Well written but bland and predictable. I would have liked a little more character building.

LOLITASAURUS - *
I really didn't get this one, it seemed boring and a little silly to me. I don't understand the title either.

KEEPING A HEAD - ***
Short but sweet. It was enjoyable.

PROJECT APPROVED - **
A pretty basic storyline. I'm choosing to read the last line as a moment of genius characterisation on the part of the proud teacher, but I could be wrong.

MEAT - ***
This was disjointed, but I think that's more to do with the character perspective that the author. Not a bad take on the cannibalism theme.

THE BALLAD OF LIAM AND CHANTELLE - ***
This is an example of a good story ruined by bad dialogue. Obviously the author has never heard a real chav in the wild. ;)

DO BLASTOCYSTS DREAM OF FOETAL SHEEP - **
I found this a very controversial piece with a strong anti-abortion message, it really turned my stomach in places. And once again, it's like these titles are being drawn out of a hat.

A CURIOUS BOY - **
I enjoyed the build up in the story, but the actual climax was a let down. It felt a little rushed at the end there.

THE BEATING OF MY HEART - ****
A nice new twist on the buried alive genre. I thought this was very good.

DEADLANDS - ****
A prime example of the classic zombie story, complete with despair, desperation and helplessness. I would have liked some more character work though.

FEEDBACK - ****
This is written in epistolary form (letters) and really works well. I think it really gets to both parents and writers the most.

US - ***
Also epistolary, but this is a little more unbelievable. Unique and interesting, but ultimately a little on the stale side.

FLIGHT 404 - **
I'm not a great fan of paradox writing at the best of times, and this just doesn't work the way the author hoped. Well written, but too much heavy, surplus description at the beginning of the story.

OUR TORMENTOR - *****
I enjoyed this and it made me smile at the reveal (geddit? re-veal?)

THE BIGGEST FEAR - **
Reminds me of 'Body Rides' by Richard Laymon, but without the interest.

THE CYCLIST - ****
This reads like something Steven King would have written, but I felt the ending was too rushed and ruined an otherwise perfect story.

KILLER HEELS - ***
Another controversial one, this time I feel like it's saying Trans people must have sold their souls to the Devil. Nice writing, though.

WHAT'S YOURS IS MINE - ***
Very well done and nicely atmospheric, but somewhat obvious. It reminded me of the first SAW film a little.

SECOND CHANCE - ****
This was written quite well. The twist is pretty obvious but honestly, it surprised me all the same.

SUM OF MY MEMORIES - **
This isn't really horror in my opinion. Just terribly sad and full of regret.

FINGERS - *****
This was really evocative, you sort of live it along with the main character. It reminded me a lot of 'The Summer I Died' by Ryan C. Thomas, which was also very good.

GOOSEBERRY PIE - *****
I loved the imagery in this story, it was used to full effect. A great comeuppance story that puts you off dessert for a while. ;)

HELPER - ***
This read very blandly. There was hardly any suspense, and no emotion in the whole thing.

THE LEFT IS SINISTER - **
This started out okay but lost momentum as it went on, I think it would have been better to focus on the reader and not include the girl at all. I woke on my left side though, so what do I know?

BLOATED - ***
This was interesting and stomach turning in equal amounts. There was no follow up though, how does Ray survive now?


I do recommend this to short story fans, there are a few you really shouldn't miss in this mix! And if you want to join in writing this sort of thing, why not check out their website?
www.create50.com

Author 3 books
October 3, 2018
I loved that each story was so different in style and content, each took me on a horror journey which was thrilling, macabre but above all spine-chillingly good.
Together, these stories deliver more than a hint of terror that comes with the unknown and the unexpected, it makes you question what's lurking outside your window or under your bed.
As horror is having a renaissance at the moment some of these writers may well be the names to watch. I thoroughly recommend it, though you may want to make sure your light is on.....
Profile Image for Tom Nolan.
2 reviews
October 2, 2018
Like all anthologies, this is a mixed bag, and it's always unlikely that everything will appeal to any individual's personal taste. Some stories are terrific, most are good and a handful are poor. That's life. It's unfortunate that the most predictable, hackneyed and poorly written story comes early on in this collection. But don't let that put you off. You'll miss some great stuff if you do. The stories are all short so it's easy to dip into - but do dip into all of them. It's worth it.
Profile Image for Elinor Perry-Smith.
Author 12 books2 followers
October 25, 2016
Let me declare my interest here; I edited many of the stories in this collection. But I'm in a position to tell you that the stories contained herein moved me in many different ways: horror, disgust, grim laughter, all of it... but best of all they made me think, 'what would I do if I was the character in this?' And that's how they gripped my imagination.
Profile Image for Simon Leonard.
510 reviews9 followers
February 4, 2017
all i can say is wow. the sick and twisted people thought up these horrific stories are geniuses at bringing stories to life quickly as all the stories are short and scary or gory. there are a couple which I didn't rate but you generally get that in most short story collections. I read the book in one go as the stories were short so I kept thinking one more will be fine. I enjoyed most of the stories and will be on the look out for other books by the authors.
Profile Image for Grace.
8 reviews
October 7, 2018
This is a great book for those who want to discover new writers ! With 50 different stories, 50 different writing styles and 50 different different creative minds you are bound to find something you'll love.
Profile Image for Selina Trafford.
172 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2017
A wonderful collection of chilling, gory, contemporary horro fiction.
Some will turn your stomach and some will chill your bones and others just freak you out. Well worth a read. I loved it x
Profile Image for Lewis Rice.
9 reviews
October 2, 2018
I don't normally read anthologies but was recomended to read it. Glad I did. Many aspects of horror covered, with 50 very different stories
Profile Image for Crazed8J8.
763 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2024
Not a bad collection, but overall mediocre. Nothing was super memorable, and the tales themselves, although interesting, were not overly gripping.
I think my favorite was Busy Izzy, which was an "extra" but I enjoyed it.
Overall, the narration throughout was good.
A fun read, enjoyable, but overall mediocre.
2 reviews
May 8, 2021
Enormously enjoyable anthology with some really exciting new authors. I particularly enjoyed the one about the foetus.
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
February 19, 2017
Twisted 50: 50 Contemporary Shockers from the most terrifying new writers of horror...
By: Various Authors
5 out of 5 stars

The anthology Twisted 50: 50 Contemporary Shockers from the most terrifying new writers of horror...is aptly named and will cause shivers to run up and down your spine with each story you read. This collection has stories that will shock you and if you’re like me re-reading some pages saying “That didn’t just happen, did it?” Horror is a genre that I fell in love with in my teens and I am always looking for authors that I have not read before and this book has many to choose from. All of these authors have ways of writing that will delight anyone who loves reading scary stories. When I started reading this book I told myself that I would read a few and then pause. This didn’t happen as once I started in I couldn’t put them down. Of course, I would suggest reading with the lights on as you wouldn’t want anything sneaking up behind you or slithering out from under the bed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a love of scary stories and are brave enough to enter worlds that are sometimes better left unknown. I received a copy of this anthology and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,399 reviews140 followers
February 13, 2017
Twisted by lucy v hay is a horror read.
50 stories from 50 disturbed voices of modern horror… Twisted 50 volume 1 is a deliciously dark slice of contemporary horror literature. Reading it is like attending a late night secret banquet where you know each course will serve up something unexpected, forbidden and unforgettably chilling. Take your private seat now for 50 luscious courses of terror, from 50 of the strongest voices in modern horror.
This was a really good read with good characters. Some stories were more enjoyable than others. Witches was my favourite story. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Profile Image for Drew Ericsson.
90 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2016
*** I contributed one of the stories in this book, so my review concerns the other 49 ***

This anthology has fifty short horror stories written by fifty weirdos who have no connection to each other, apart from their mental state. The stories are around seven pages long or less, and vary in their degree of sick-and-twistedness on a scale from nausea to projectile vomiting. I believe there’s reasonable cause for the authorities to raid the homes of some contributors.
Profile Image for Hillier Townsend.
Author 3 books
Currently reading
November 1, 2016
(Disclosure: I have a story, "Us," included in this book)
Besides the extreme creep-factor, what I love about "Twisted" is that each story takes a different path to the place where nightmares are formed.

It pushes readers into the dark corners in our souls we all have, but pretend we don't (or work really hard to ignore). If you're ready to go to that dank, dark place, "Twisted" is the book that will take you there.
Profile Image for Milethia Thomas.
3 reviews
November 10, 2016
A wonderful range of horror stories to suit all tastes - from the very dark and stomach-churning, to that which is terrifying and demands that you (or is it just me?) sleep with the light on. Whether a committed horror fan or someone who is discovering horror for the first time, this anthology has something for everyone.
Profile Image for Nick Yates.
Author 7 books1 follower
October 31, 2016
This book is excellent, packed with 50 exceptionally twisted and dark stories. The writing ability on display here is incredible with a really diverse take on horror. Whether you are new to the genre, or a horror aficionado, you will love this book. I don't care who you are, there will be something here to genuinely shock you.
Profile Image for Dee Chilton.
11 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2016
Wow, I had the music of 'Tales of the Unexpected' running through my mind after reading this fabulous collection of twisted dark stories, every story offers something tasty to bite into. Highly recommended reading from a talented posse of twisted writers minds. Can't wait for the next book(s) in the series.
Profile Image for Mark Renshaw.
Author 4 books3 followers
November 22, 2016
Lots of lovely little twisted horror stories. I loved the variety of each tale and think it is a brilliant idea to feature so many authors, as each story had a very unique voice.

I found the book ideal as I read on short train journeys, so it was easy for me to make sure I had finished off the story I was reading before I had to depart.
Profile Image for Fiona.
20 reviews10 followers
February 24, 2017
Brilliant compilation of chilling short stories. Each is just long enough to give you shivers on a cold dark night or even during your lunch break. Absolutely enthralling collection with quite a few that actually made me jump at loud noises after reading.
Profile Image for Mary Stone.
3 reviews
October 31, 2016
This is a fantastically disturbing collection of horror stories from talented new writers.
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